Minutes
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Playing tennis on Union Street, notice the second Baptist Church in the background
Chester Municipal Heritage Society
CHESTER MUNICIPAL HERITAGE SOCIETY
Minutes of April 1st Meeting, Chester Municipal Council Room
Present: Gail Smith, Marina Davidson, Duncan McNeill, Larry Ryan, Bobbie Harrington, Jo-Ann MacInnis, Don MacInnis, Jim Barkhouse, Hillary McCarron, Alberta Duffney, Glenda Redden. Regrets: Carol Nauss. Guests: Kerry Keddy, Claudette Sapp, Dolly Hancock Yvonne Hennigar, Suzanne and Hugh Conrod.
In the absence of Chair Carol Nauss, Glenda Redden conducted the meeting.
NOTE: These minutes are slightly different from the usual minutes. In order to facilitate things while Carol is away, items for action are given in bold italics and may be underlined.
Special Presentation. The meeting began with a special presentation by Hugh Conrod about the “Hooked Rugs Museum of North America” which Hugh and Suzanne are hoping to set up in the Chester area. Suzanne showed a “rug” which she has hooked and which displays historic buildings in Chester. The rug was produced to recognize Chester’s 250th anniversary and will be on display during 2009. There will also be an interpretative panel and activities for students. Hugh explained how the idea for the hooked rugs museum developed and what has been done toward the development of the museum: the collection of rugs to date; the financial commitment, personal, national and international; the search for a suitable site; and a suggestion of a site in the Chester area which would involve the Heritage Society. This presentation was for information only and can be discussed at a future time.
Minutes of Previous Meeting. Moved by Jim, seconded by Marina, that the minutes of the March 4 Meeting be approved, with several corrections. Agreed.
Financial Report. A printed financial report was received but, in the absence of treasurer Sandy Dumaresq, it was agreed that the report would be held until the next meeting. Grant money has now been deposited in the account.
Business Arising from the Minutes.
a. Joanne reported that Fran Underwood has agreed to organize the Turncoat Victory activity. Glenda asked Joanne to make a list of the various activities to date being planned for the 250th. anniversary and to distribute this information at the next meeting.
b. Don reported on the progress in the park. He is working with Ken Mosher and Billy Zinck to complete the drainage and bridges. Poor weather has been a key factor. Dolly reported on the planting of trees; the cost for these trees comes from the van de Loo financial contribution.
c. The Arabic report has been reviewed by Economic Development and is in the final stage of completion and formal approval.
d. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Malcolm for the production of a play for the 250th anniversary. A sum of $1000 has been paid, with the remaining $2000 to be paid in two installments, after the first draft, and after completion. The event will include fund raising activities for the Society.
e. The following reports will be needed for the AGM: 250th anniversary activities, park, properties/buildings, financial, chair, museum, C@P site, auction, House & Harbour Tour, nominations. Most of these reports will be read. Copies needed for distribution are: 2007 AGM minutes, financial. Also Agenda.
f. Annual General Meeting will be held Friday, May 9, 2008, at the United Baptist Church, King Street, 7:30 pm. Members are asked to each bring a “munchie” of some kind for the reception which follows the meeting.
g. Duane Porter, Curator, Halifax and South-Western Railway, has accepted our invitation to be our speaker at the AGM. He will bring Chester connections into his presentation. There is a possibility that his presentation may be videotaped. It was suggested that Dr. Allan Gibson be asked to introduce Duane.
h. The revised By-laws, amended at the March meeting, and with one additional change: Article II – Governance of the Board. 2.(g) and (h) become (g), (h) and (i)) were briefly discussed. It was moved by Gail, seconded by Alberta, that the revised By-laws by approved. Motion carried. These By-laws have gone to Sam Lamey for his approval, and following that, the By-laws will be presented at the AGM for final approval. Note: There is a need to have a repository for Society documents. It was suggested that in the restoration process for the Lordly House, a fire proof safe of some kind be installed to receive these records, which at the present time, are housed in various places.
i. Larry and Jim made a visit to Delta Jane Lordly Embrey ( a relative of the Lordlys) in Liverpool on March 31. She shared some of her knowledge and experiences about the house, including knowing about a trunk of letters. Larry has written a report. Jim has taken photos.
j. Nothing has been settled yet with the Chamber of Commerce regarding the lease of the train station.
Correspondence.
a. A request has been received from the Chamber of Commerce for an auction item for their annual spring meeting, dinner, and auction, May 23, at Oak Island Resort and Spa. Glenda suggested that we send them a letter offering two tickets for the House & Harbour Tour (value $60), which will be held on Saturday, August 23. Agreed. Glenda will write the letter.
b. Glenda drew attention to the Municipality’s 2008 recognition of Volunteers, which will be held at the Chester Legion on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 pm. Members of CMHS are invited to attend , with RSVP by Tuesday, April 15. Terry Atherton has been selected to attend the Provincial Awards Ceremony I n Halifax, Thursday, April 24.
New Business.
a. Larry has been in contact with the present members of the Board of Directors and almost all have agreed to let their names stand for re-election. It is hoped that the Board can be limited to 15. Larry has agreed to act as Chair of the Nominating Committee, and has power to add. Note from Glenda: The revised By-laws will come into effect following their approval at the AGM. If they come into effect prior to the Nominations Report, I believe that Article IV. – Election of Officers. Section 1. will come into effect.
b. Heritage Auction will be held on Saturday, July 12, at the Train Station. John Carroll has agreed to act as auctioneer again this year; Larry will be back-up. Mr. Carroll has some ideas as to ways to improve the auction. The following have agreed to meet with Mr Carroll to talk about these ideas: Jim, Larry, Alberta [and Carol], perhaps Dudley Grove. Jim: Would you please set up the meeting with Mr. Carroll? I have spoken to him and he is interested in meeting with us. Glenda has the records regarding businesses, others, who were contacted last year. A new Auction Committee needs to be set up.
c. The tourist bureau at the train station has been painted; the costs were donated. Glenda will write a letter of thanks to the donor.
d. Barb Wolfe is recovering from heart surgery. Ms Mooney has replaced her for a month on a temporary basis, and there will be an advertisement for another replacement.
e. Marina is preparing a May issue of the newsletter. Among information to be included are: 250th anniversary activities, park improvements, auction, house & harbour tour, report from Carol, invitation to AGM.
f. “Ride the Lobster”, a 800 km. unicycle marathon will be held in Nova Scotia from June 16-20. On Tuesday, June 17, the group will be in Chester for a short visit.
g. There is a need for a more comprehensive listing of papers, magazines, websites, radio and TV programs, other, which can be used for publicity purposes. Marina drew our attention to free publicity available in the magazine “Harrowsmith”. Kerry offered publicity through his website “This Week in Chester and Area”. Glenda suggested that each person who is aware of publicity opportunities write this information on a piece of paper, sign it, and give it to Glenda so that the information can be compiled and made available as needed.
h. Concern was expressed that the Hawbolt Display is not being looked after, and is often not open. A letter will be written to the Tourist Bureau requesting them to open and close this display each day. Gail will get the key from Marge so that this can be done.
i. Carol hopes to access her e-mails while she is away.
Secretary Gail Smith
Additional notes from Glenda Redden
The regular general meeting of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society was held at the Municipal Office beginning at 7 PM. The Chair, Carol Nauss called the meeting to order. Gail Smith, Marina Davidson, Larry Ryan, Joann and Don MacInnis, Hilary McCarron, Jim Barkhouse, Sandy Dumaresq were present. Regrets were received from John Chandler, Glenda Redden and Lisa Aiken. Frank Metzger and John McCurdy were also present.
Additions to the agenda:
1. Do we want to join Chesterns.ca as a host for our site
2. Presentation from Barbara Richman regarding the grant applications
3. Spring newsletter
4. Rug hooking group contact from Mr. Conrad
It was moved by Jim Barkhouse, seconded by Hilary McCarron that the minutes be approved as circulated. Carried.
Sandy Dumaresq moved the treasurer’s report, seconded by Marina Davidson. Carried.
Business arising from minutes:
Sandy reported that they were considering the possibility of offering them a then year lease with and escalator tied into the insurance cost, there has not been a further meeting . Jim will keep the Chamber informed.
The survey of the station lands is complete and we are waiting for the official plan from the province.
Joanne reported that there will be a heritage service in the local churches October 3, 2009. There will be a quilt display in September and the events will be inserted in the Doers and Dreamers guide. Bob Hartlan is interested in a possible reunion of the Ideal Maternity Home survivors. She is having difficulty finding someone to take on the reenactment of the Turncoat Victory.
Glenda has not had an answer from the guest speaker regarding the annual meeting. The Baptist Church has been booked for May 9 for this meeting.
Don reported that the work is on-going at the park and the work is half finished with delays caused by weather. Don moved we accept the bid of $3648.00 from Willdo Builders for the bridges and repairs to the band stand in the park. Seconded by John McCurdy. Carried. Mr. Zinck stated that the work would be completed by April 15, 2008.
New Business:
It was decided that the heritage web site would remain where it is at the present time.
Larry contacted the board members to find out their feelings regarding serving for the coming year. A number of people indicated they would be content to be committee members or resource persons and these have been noted for the nominating committee.
The by-laws were reviewed and amended with the suggestions presented at the meeting. Carol will make the amendments and circulate them to the members for further review. They are to be ready for presentation at the annual meeting in May.
Nothing was done regarding the auction committee at this meeting.
Barbara Richman presented a summary of where we are at the present time regarding the grant proposals and she suggested that we can begin the work with Andrea Arbic without causing difficulties. It was moved by Jim, seconded by Marina that we spend $2700.00 to begin the planning process. Carried.
It was moved by Sandy, seconded by Jim that we ask Malcolm to write the play to be presented at the Playhouse. Carried. Frank Metzger offered to write off the $3000.00 cost at the present time and we can repay him at a later date.
Larry expressed a desire to be included when we make an appointment to talk with Delta Jane Lordly Embrey, of Liverpool, who is a relative of the Lordly family. Her phone number is 356-3566.
Hilary moved adjournment.
Respectfully submitted, Gail Smith, Secty.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the Municipal Office, beginning at 7:00 pm. The meeting was called to order by the chair, Carol Nauss.
Present were Larry Ryan, Don & Joanne MacInnis, Glenda Redden, Jim Barkhouse, and Duncan McNeill. Frank Metzger, John McCurdy and Brad Armstrong were in attendance.
Regrets: Hilary McCarron, Bobby Harrington, Sandy Dumaresq, Gail Smith, Marina Davidson.
The minutes of the previous meeting of January 14 and the special meeting January 29th were accepted by motion of Jim Barkhouse, seconded by Joanne MacInnis. Carried.
There were no additions to the agenda.
Treasurer’s report was presented by Carol Nauss and showed a balance of $7650.12 currently available. It was moved by Joanne MacInnis, seconded by Duncan McNeill. Carried.
Business arising from the minutes:
1. VoxCom has finished installing the alarm system at Lordly House.
2. Sandy will meet with Derek to discuss the station lease on Tuesday.
3. Our request for forgiveness of the loan was refused by council
4. Surveyor Arthur Backman has begun the survey at the station
5. Brad Armstrong gave an update of the work that is going on at the park. They have done some pruning and are working at creating a trail around the park. Some trees have been cut and other that are dying will have limbs removed and trunks will be left for habitat. He is building a bridge to span the ditch on Prince Street.
Don MacInnis has received bids on the tender for the bridges at the park. We have granted Ken Mosher more time to complete the work. The delay caused by weather.
Jim Barkhouse has agreed to take photos of the work at the park.
Carol has obtained quotes for signs to be installed at the park as work finishes.
6. Joanne MacInnis reported on the work of the 250th anniversary committee. People appear interested and enthusiastic. The Legion will arrange a parade, the Garden Club a heritage garden, the Chamber liked the idea of costumes for workers and decorations at the stores, displays will be completed, a permanent one for the station and a travelling one to be moved from event to event. It was agreed to use the logo that the fund-raising committee designs on the shirts and caps. Frank Metzger promised to proceed with that design as soon as possible. Discussion is underway for a number of other events, making of period costumes, yacht races, a heritage dinner, dance etc. A calendar of events will be generated and used for advertising throughout the year. Joanne and Carol presented an information session about this project for the Masonic Lodge.
7. By-laws were located that are more current than the ones were had been working with and a comparison of those will be done to ensure that nothing was missed in the reworking of the newer version of them. Duncan will have a copy of the proposed by-laws for the next meeting and we will present them for approval at the annual meeting.
New Business:
1. The annual meeting will be held Friday, May 9, beginning at 7:30 PM at the Chester United Baptist Church. Members are reminded to bring finger food for that meeting and chairs of committees need to provide written reports.
A number of suggestions were made for guest speakers and Glenda will contact Duane Porter to see if he would consent to come. Duncan will ensure ad are placed in the papers and posters are put up.
2. The auction will be July 12 and John Carroll with Larry Ryan will be auctioneers for that event. Discussion about how to cut down on the amount of items we cannot sell due to their condition was brief and we agreed it needed to be brought up again. Glenda still has the contact list for donations and Gary Zwicker was an excellent salesperson for us last year and perhaps would do it again. Frank suggested that we might have some items at Lordly House that could be included at the auction and Larry suggested that advertising a list of items in the paper would perhaps generate more interest.
3. With Jim’s vigilance we did not have any damage to the pipes at the station when the heat went off. We have had antifreeze put into the heating system, a new programmable thermostat installed downstairs with a locked case and a new thermostat installed upstairs. Hopefully this will cut down on the oil bill and ensure that should we loose heat the pipes won’t freeze. A partially filled in dry well collapsed and created a hole next to the pump building. It has been filled in by Darrell DeMont.
4. Working days are planned on April 5 and 12 for the board to ensure that we have completed all items identified as needing attention.
5. Larry will ask the directors if they are willing to continue in the coming year as we prepare for the appointment of a nominating committee.
Duncan moved the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Redden, acting recording secretary
Special Board Meeting, January 29, 2008
Chester Municipal Council Room
Present - Board Members: Carol Nauss, (Chair), Gail Smith, Duncan McNeill, Marina Davidson, Bobby Harrington, Jim Barkhouse, Sandy Dumaresq, Larry Ryan, Glenda Redden (Acting Secretary).
Present- Guests: Sylvia McNeill, Frank Metzger, Barbara Richman, Andrea Arbic, Leah Hamilton.
Purpose of Meeting: This special board meeting/ information session was held to discuss the proposal for Strategic Planning and Business Planning for the Chester Municipal Heritage Society, as developed by Andrea Arbic and Leah Hamilton of Arbic Consulting.
Motion: It was moved by Larry Ryan, seconded by Duncan McNeill, that the Board of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society accept full responsibility to undertake the operation of and maintenance of the proposed restoration project of Lordly House and its related buildings and properties. Carried.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the Municipal Office, beginning at 7:00 pm. The meeting was called to order by the chair, Carol Nauss.
Present were Marina Davidson, Larry Ryan, Don & Joanne MacInnis, Glenda Redden, Jim Barkhouse, Gail Smith, Bobby Harrington, Sandy Dumaresq and Duncan McNeill. Frank Metzger and Dolly Hancock were in attendance.
Regrets: Hilary McCarron
Ms. Arbic and her business partner cancelled their presentation due to the weather and we will reschedule this shortly. Gail will check for available times.
Minutes: The approval of the amended minutes of the last meeting was moved by Gail seconded by Marina. Carried.
Treasurer’s Report: The report was distributed. A copy of this report is included with the minutes. It was moved by Jim seconded by Larry that the treasurer’s report be accepted. Carried. Sandy will be applying for an HST rebate shortly.
Business arising from the minutes:
1. Voxcom is due to install the new system this week.
2. The station lease with the Chamber of Commerce is still is abeyance but Sandy will contact the committee to get talks resumed.
3. Duncan should soon have the by-law amendments ready for further discussion.
4. Barbara Richman is seeking funding from ACOA for money to cover the cost of this study.
5. Larry will contact Mr. Backman again about completing the survey. It was agreed that if he did not reply that we would look for another surveyor to complete the work.
6. The license for the land adjacent to the station has been completed. The only stipulation is that we leave some of the apple trees standing for habitat purposes as we tidy up. Larry offered to oversee this work for us.
7. Window installation at the station is complete.
8. The park committee will meet following this meeting to select seating for the park.
Correspondence:
1. request for nomination for volunteer week
2. notice of Philanthropic workshop at The Forties on the 29th – Larry is planning to attend
New Business:
1. It was moved by Larry, seconded by Marina, that we would ask for a donation for the use of the park for wedding. Carried
2. Dianne Misick addressed and mailed the Christmas cards as a donation.
3. Work at the park has been held up due to warm weather.
4. Sandy will contact Mr. Hiltz regarding the loan repayment and how we might handle it.
5. Joann will convene a meeting of the 250th anniversary committee this month.
6. Carol has requested that the use of 10 parking spaces at the fire hall, (something we already had been guaranteed ) if needed for special events be given a price for in-kind donation.
7. It was agreed that we would begin to log our time spent on Heritage matters.
8. A misunderstanding of the donations received during the work at the station has been cleared up.
9. We received a $500.00 donation from Clarica toward the Lordly House project.